A LETTER TO AN ADOPTIVE HEART

James 1:22 & 27 - Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress...

Dear Adoptive Heart! Hello and how's it going? I thought I'd write a short letter to say how blessed we are to know you. You don't know me exactly, but we share a common bond. You have loved my brothers and sisters by taking us into your homes. We were once orphaned. I know that's not a very popular word, but it's true. Some of us were abandoned by our moms and dads and some of us are still working through those issues. You rescued us and for that we can say thank you enough.

Can you imagine? Our plight has stretched the globe. We were born into poverty of the soul, pain of the heart, abandonment and abuse of the spirit. We only wanted what every other child needs - love, security, shelter. There was a time we didn't think we deserved it, but then you came along and changed all of that. You cared enough to make us your sons and daughters. We all came with our unsightly baggage, but you were patient enough with us to help us unpack our troubles. You spent time with us. You gave us lots of hugs. You believed in us. Thank you.

Now if it's not too much to ask, can you do me a favor? Can you get the word out about my extended siblings? I have other brothers and sisters still orphaned. Everyday is a challenge for them. I don't want them to lose hope, but can you blame them? If everyone cared as much as you do and made a place for them to call home, my brothers and sisters wouldn't feel so lost in the world.

I know adoption isn't for everyone, but there are ways people can help my orphaned siblings. They can pray for them. They can be foster parents. They can be court-appointed advocates. They can adopt an orphanage overseas. They can sponsor an adoption fair or start an adoption fund at their churches for those who can adopt. There is so much to be done, but so few people to do it. You were one of the few. And I bet there are others out there just like you. They see how you've brought us into your homes and made us apart of your family. You can say you're a poster child for adoption!

Well, thanks for listening. Thanks also for doing what God's word says about caring for the orphans. I know Jesus is pleased; you can tell by the smiles on our faces!

Sincerely,

Anadoptive Child

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NOVEMBER IS ADOPTION MONTH - LOVE ON A CHILD!